Lloyds Amphitheatre at Canons House, Bristol Harbourside
A landmark postmodern amphitheatre and public space at Bristol’s harbourside, blending architectural heritage with vibrant cultural events.
Located on Explore Lane in Bristol’s vibrant harbourside, Lloyds Amphitheatre is a striking public space formed by the iconic Canons House, a Grade II-listed postmodern office building. The amphitheatre, with its curved colonnaded façade and historic crane base centerpiece, serves as a popular venue for outdoor concerts and festivals, embodying Bristol’s successful docklands regeneration and cultural revival.
A brief summary to Lloyds Amphitheatre
- Explore Ln, Bristol, Bristol, BS1 5LL, GB
- +441172140098
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit during outdoor events or festivals to experience the amphitheatre’s lively atmosphere and community spirit.
- Explore the architectural details of Canons House, especially the illusion of weightless columns and the use of high-quality materials.
- Take time to appreciate the historic crane base centerpiece, a reminder of Bristol’s industrial docklands past.
- Combine your visit with a stroll along the nearby harbourside to enjoy panoramic views and other cultural venues.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Bus
Take the Bristol Bus Service routes 8 or 9 from the city centre to the Canon's Marsh stop, approximately a 10-15 minute journey. Buses run frequently during the day. From the stop, it is a short 5-minute walk to the amphitheatre. Tickets cost around £2.50-£3.50 GBP.
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Train
Arrive at Bristol Temple Meads station, located about 2 km from the amphitheatre. From there, take a 25-minute walk along the harbourside or a 10-minute taxi ride costing approximately £6-£10 GBP. The station is well connected to regional and national rail services.
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Car
Driving to Lloyds Amphitheatre is possible with several public car parks nearby, including the Harbourside Car Park. Parking fees range from £2 to £5 per hour. Note that traffic can be busy during peak times, and some areas have restricted access for deliveries or residents.
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Walking
From Bristol city centre, a pleasant 20-30 minute walk along the harbourside paths leads directly to the amphitheatre. The route is mostly flat and accessible, offering scenic views and opportunities to explore nearby cultural landmarks.
Lloyds Amphitheatre location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Lloyds Amphitheatre
Architectural Landmark of Postmodern Elegance
Canons House, completed between 1988 and 1991 by Arup Associates, stands as a bold example of postmodern architecture in Bristol. Designed as the regional headquarters for Lloyds Bank, the building features a distinctive curved form overlooking the harbour, with a façade adorned by giant paired limestone columns and rusticated stonework. A clever architectural detail is the steel-supported canopy that creates the illusion of weightless columns, reflecting a playful yet monumental civic presence. This building earned Grade II listed status for its architectural significance and role in the city’s waterfront heritage.Harbourside Regeneration and Cultural Revival
The Lloyds Amphitheatre is integral to the transformation of Bristol’s former industrial docks into a thriving cultural and recreational hub. The amphitheatre itself forms a semi-circular public space that opens onto the waterside, incorporating a historic 19th-century crane base as a focal point. This space was designed to encourage public assembly and outdoor events, contributing to the revitalization of Canon’s Marsh from derelict warehouses to a lively urban quarter. The amphitheatre regularly hosts concerts, festivals, and community gatherings, cementing its role as a key venue in Bristol’s cultural landscape.Design and Urban Context
The amphitheatre and Canons House sit at the confluence of the Avon and Frome rivers, with the backdrop of Bristol Cathedral enhancing the setting’s dramatic appeal. The development was carefully planned to maintain a low-rise scale with a strong civic character, blending classical architectural references with modern materials like precast white concrete and granite. The site’s design balances functionality with aesthetic appeal, creating a harmonious public realm that invites interaction and leisure along the waterfront.Historical Layers and Industrial Heritage
The site of the amphitheatre and Canons House is steeped in Bristol’s maritime history. Formerly part of the bustling Canon’s Marsh docks, the area was once home to shipbuilding yards, rail-linked cargo handling, and gasworks. The preservation of the crane base within the amphitheatre pays homage to this industrial past, linking the modern public space with the city’s working dock heritage. This layering of history enriches the visitor experience, providing a tangible connection to Bristol’s evolution from industrial port to cultural centre.Contemporary Use and Future Prospects
Today, Lloyds Amphitheatre remains a vibrant venue for outdoor performances and festivals, contributing to Bristol’s reputation as a city of arts and culture. The adjacent Canons House is undergoing sensitive refurbishment to become a multi-tenant office building, aiming to activate the surrounding public spaces further. This ongoing evolution ensures the amphitheatre continues to serve as a dynamic public asset, blending heritage with modern urban life.Architectural and Civic Significance
Canons House and its amphitheatre exemplify the successful integration of postmodern design principles with civic function, creating a landmark that is both architecturally distinguished and socially meaningful. The building’s high-quality materials, innovative heating and cooling system using harbour water, and well-planned interiors reflect Arup Associates’ commitment to humane and sustainable office design. The amphitheatre’s role as a major public assembly space reinforces its importance in Bristol’s urban fabric and cultural identity.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
The Matthew of Bristol
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Prince Street Bridge
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King George V Memorial Fountain
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Cascade Steps
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Statue of Edmund Burke
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Old Post Office
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The Red Lodge Museum
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Cabot Tower
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The Nails
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Bristol Bridge
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Royal Talbot Buildings
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Palestine Museum & Cultural Centre
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Unmissable attractions to see
Millennium Square
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M Shed
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Bristol Harbour Railway
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Step aboard Bristol Harbour Railway’s heritage steam train for a scenic 15-minute journey through the city’s historic waterfront.
Hannover Quay
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Discover Hannover Quay, Bristol’s vibrant harbourside district blending historic charm with modern waterfront living and cultural buzz.
The Bristol Wheel
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Soar above Bristol’s iconic landmarks on The Bristol Wheel, a dazzling Ferris ride offering stunning panoramic city views day and night.
Pero's Bridge
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Discover Pero's Bridge in Bristol, a blend of modern architecture and historic charm, perfect for leisurely strolls and picturesque views of the harbor.
We The Curious
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Discover Bristol’s vibrant science centre with interactive exhibits, creative workshops, and the UK’s only 3D Planetarium in a playful, inclusive space.
Narrow Quay
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Historic Narrow Quay in Bristol blends maritime heritage with vibrant arts and waterside charm in the heart of the Floating Harbour.
Bristol Aquarium
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Bristol Ferry
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Scenic water transport linking Bristol's landmarks with friendly crews and harbour-side charm.
Harbourside
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Discover Bristol Harbourside, where rich maritime history meets vibrant culture, waterside dining, and lively urban charm.
Watershed
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Bristol Cathedral
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Guided Walking Tour - From Blackbeard to Banksy
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Queen Square
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Essential places to dine
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Tare Restaurant
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The Olive Shed
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Gambas
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Root
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BOX-E
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Las Iguanas - Bristol - Harbourside
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Lively Latin American dining and cocktails with vibrant vibes by Bristol’s picturesque Harbourside waterfront.
Rick's
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Discover Rick's in Bristol - where exceptional cocktails meet delightful brunches in a vibrant waterfront setting.
The River Grille
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Elegant Harbourside fine dining with West Country steaks, fresh seafood, and panoramic waterfront views.
Steak of the Art
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New MoOn On The Quay
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MUSE Brasserie - Bristol
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The Bristol Stable
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Sourdough pizzas, West Country ciders, and lively Harbourside vibes combine at The Bristol Stable for a quintessential Bristol dining experience.
Under the Stars
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Casa Bristol
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Refined Italian cuisine with a contemporary twist in Bristol’s historic Redcliffe harbourside, blending tradition and innovation.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Something Elsie
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Discover vibrant 80s and 90s vintage fashion, dazzling jewellery, and quirky gifts in Bristol’s colorful Something Elsie shop at Cargo 2.
Fig1
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Orendo
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Discover unique ladies' fashion at Orendo, a chic clothes shop in Bristol that embodies the city's vibrant style and trends.
Zhyper
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my a2space
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A compact Harbourside shop showcasing locally made prints, gifts and artisan wares from Bristol’s creative community.
Will's doss pit
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Dive into Bristol's quirky underbelly at Will's Doss Pit, where vintage treasures and bohemian finds await in historic Queen Square.
Alices Secret Empourium
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Ganesha
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Uncle Sam's Vintage
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Over Here
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This Feeling
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Riff Raff Gifts The Bong Shop
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Memories
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Quadrant Trading
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Slug & Lettuce - Harbourside Bristol
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The Architect
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Shakespeare Tavern
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Loose Cannon Cocktail Bar - Bristol
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Mackenzies Bar & Kitchen
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Bag of Nails
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The Clockwork Rose
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The Boardroom
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
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Marquee Cocktail Bar & Nightclub
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The Pearl NightClub
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Lizard Lounge
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The Loco Klub
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Lively
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Unique
- Fun-filled
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Postmodern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Festival / Event Nearby
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Friendly
